Sherwood Flying Club ceased operations on the airfield after 67 years today 1 June 2025.
The historic airfield opened in 1929 and served as RAF Tollerton during World War II, has long been a hub for general aviation, training, and community life. It is now closing because of a major housing development proposed by developers, who have submitted a broad outline planning application to Rushcliffe Borough Council. However, no planning permission has yet been granted.
Martin Olley from the flying club said:
‘This is indeed a sad time for us to think we have been forced into this situation purely for spineless monetary greed when the airfield could have been left as a legacy for the Nottingham people. RIP Nottingham Airport.’
Aircraft from the club flew out of the site today to Tatenhill Airfield in Staffordshire where the club will carry on its training services.
Meanwhile protesters from the group Save Nottingham City ( Tollerton ) Airfield led a protest against the closure of the facility by Vistry Group, the developers who now own the land on which it operates.
The closure by the developer has affected dozens of employees and businesses at the airport.
The airfield is earmarked on the Rushcliffe Local Plan for a development of over 4,000 homes and associated infrastructure – but no final planning application or masterplan has yet been submitted.
The airfield was sold to Vistry Group for housing by Truman Aviation.
It was expected that the airport would continue to operate for at least two more years – but in March Truman announced that they had received notice that all operations should cease by 6 June 2025. Only a concession for air ambulance use on one runway will be allowed.
Vistry told The Wire in March:
“With the site having been allocated for development a decade ago, we are keen to progress our plans and commence construction of the new homes, subject to planning permission.
“Vistry is working closely with Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance about the redevelopment of Tollerton Airfield. We have agreed to work together to maintain a safe landing site which will ensure that the current air ambulance service can continue during the initial phase of development.”
“Vistry’s site forms part of the wider allocation which ensures that infrastructure is delivered alongside the new homes providing new schools, sports facilities, green spaces, employment land and community facilities. We estimate that some 500 direct and indirect jobs will be created during the construction stage of Vistry’s application, and once the full site allocation is completed some 1,450 jobs are expected to be created.”
The spokesperson continued, “We have worked closely with the Council on this comprehensive development and have consulted widely with the local community. We look forward to making further progress on these plans and providing Rushcliffe residents with much needed new and affordable homes and employment opportunities.”
Cllr Councillor Richard Butler ( Cotgrave ) spoke out at Nottinghamshire County Council meeting last week:
He said: ‘I share the disappointment and frustration of many hundreds, probably thousands, of people who care about this site’
‘The applicants have, in my view, jumped the gun — forcing out long-standing businesses, shutting down aviation activities, and creating unnecessary uncertainty for the wider community, all before a single planning decision has even been taken. That is simply not on.”
“These businesses took risks, invested in the site, and contributed to the local economy and community character and to be pushed out under these circumstances — ahead of planning permission — shows a disregard for that contribution.”
The developers plans rely in part on acquiring land adjacent to the airfield that is currently owned by Nottinghamshire County Council. This land forms part of the area identified in the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan for potential development. Thanks to lobbying from Cllr Butler, the previous Conservative administration made no plans to sell the land, this decision now rests with the Reform-led administration at Nottinghamshire County Council.
Cllr Butler acknowledged the efforts of the Save Nottingham (Tollerton) Airfield campaign.
“These campaigners care deeply, they are well-informed, and they deserve to be taken seriously. Their concerns go beyond nostalgia — they are about jobs, heritage, and the future shape of our community.”
Rushcliffe MP James Naish met with Vistry Group in March this year:
He said:
“This action has been interpreted as purposefully bringing site operations to an end early, without appropriate consultation and consideration for the wider community’s interests.”
In a letter to Vistry Mr Naish wrote:
‘As you know, this project has caused a lot of anger among Rushcliffe residents who use and value Nottingham Airport, both as a local and a regional asset.
‘The planning application and site allocation are ultimately matters for Rushcliffe Borough Council and its councillors, and I don’t wish to revisit these arguments here.
‘However, as discussed, it is important that I emphasise residents’ anger at notice being served on existing operators on the site before planning permission has been granted. This action has been interpreted as purposefully bringing site operations to an end early, without appropriate consultation and consideration for the wider community’s interests.
‘While I understand your desire to move quickly if planning permission is granted, as you explained during our meeting, and that there are preparation works required in the background, I struggle to understand how – given your intention to develop the site over many years – this is the best way to start relations with the local community. It is always important that residents’ voices are heard and that their valid concerns are addressed. It is critical, therefore, that Vistry takes swift action to rebuild trust with the community and it is essential that, moving forwards, you take steps to engage clearly and transparently with local stakeholders, rather than resorting to what has been described as “covert actions”.
‘I would urge Vistry to consider alternative ways to balance commercial and community interests in the short term, in advance of the site being granted planning permission or not.
‘More broadly, it is clear from my ongoing discussions with local residents that there is a genuine desire to see this development work well, should it go ahead … not just for the benefit of developers and potential future residents but for the long-term good of the community. I sincerely hope Vistry recognises this, and that it will double down on its efforts to ensure that – however long the company is involved with applications and potential development on this site – the engagement with, and return for, existing residents is positive.
RELATED
We’ve covered Tollerton Airport for years on The Wire below are some of the main stories:
• Tollerton Airport could close completely by April next year, says owner
• Tollerton Airport: Developer confirms no businesses served with any lease terminations
• Consultation now open for planning application submitted for homes at Tollerton Airfield
• Tollerton Airfield: Developers serve notice on airport operators to cease operations
• Tollerton Airport: ‘Cruel and cynical move’ to close airport earlier than required, say protesters
• Tollerton Airport plans: Council issues update and clarifies position
• Tollerton Airport: Rushcliffe MP meets Vistry over airfield site closure
• Cllr Richard Butler stands with campaigners to save Historic Tollerton Airport
• Video: Spitfire starts up takes off and lands at Nottingham’s Tollerton Airport
• Pictures: Delight for visitors as Spitfire visits Tollerton Nottingham City Airport
• Petition to Save Nottingham City Airport at Tollerton handed in to Rushcliffe Borough Council
• Tollerton Airport: Council agrees lease terms with Nottingham City Airport for continued use of land
• Video: Aerobatic display at Nottingham City ( Tollerton ) Airport
• Lincs Notts Air Ambulance meets WPD Electricity at Nottingham City Airport
• Video and Pictures: PBY Catalina World War 2 Flying Boat spotted at Nottingham City Airport
